The Silence After the Storm: First Phase of Lok Sabha Elections in Rajasthan

As the clock struck 6 PM on Wednesday, the cacophony of the first phase of Lok Sabha election campaigns came to a sudden halt across Rajasthan. With 102 seats in 21 states up for grabs in this phase, political heavyweights from Congress, BJP, and other parties poured their efforts into garnering support.

In the heart of the political battleground, Rajasthan witnessed a flurry of activity, particularly in the 12 constituencies set for polling on April 19. However, on the eve of the election, no major leader graced the state, leaving the stage to local luminaries. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and State President CP Joshi spearheaded BJP's campaign efforts, while the Congress and its allies rallied under the leadership of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra.

Amidst the fervent campaigning, the contest emerged as a fierce battle between the two main contenders, with BJP and Congress vying for dominance on most seats. Yet, amidst the buzz, Congress's star campaigners, led by Priyanka Gandhi, took a more subdued approach compared to BJP's robust lineup, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

As the dust settles, all eyes now turn to the voters as they prepare to cast their ballots on April 19. With both parties pulling out all the stops, the outcome of this electoral tussle remains uncertain, promising an intriguing showdown on polling day.